Camper openings still available for Shannon’s Hope

Friday, October 4, 2013

There are still a few openings left for campers at Shannon’s Hope’s uncoming session. PHOTO PROVIDED

Camper openings are available for the Oct. 5-6, 2013 Shannon’s Hope, a therapeutic weekend camp for children ages 6-15 who have experienced the death of a loved one in the past three to 24 months. This unique camp is an initiative of Hospice of Charleston Foundation in collaboration with Hospice Care of America, the Medical University of South Carolina and Roper Hospice.

Through participation in fun, yet intense, activities, Shannon’s Hope campers are encouraged to speak openly about issues of death and grief. The experience is structured to teach the children that feelings such as sadness, fear, anger and desperation are all normal aspects of the grieving process. Together they create friendships and support that allow them to identify and express their emotions in a safe, secure environment. It is a weekend of laughter, tears, sharing and remembering.

The camp is facilitated by professional counselors, and trained volunteer buddies provide compassionate individual support to the children. Together these adults help the children “create stepping stones from their stumbling blocks.”

Shannon’s Hope is held twice a year at Camp St. Christopher on Seabrook Island. A fee of $35 is requested; however, scholarships are available based on financial need. Referrals of campers are welcomed from parents, counselors, teachers, ministers or other concerned persons. Transportation to and from camp is available.

Shannon Heisler was the inspiration for Shannon’s Hope, which began in August, 1989. The courage and hope demonstrated by this 16-year-old Hospice of Charleston patient, who died in November of 1988, were the driving forces behind the development of the camp.

To refer a camper or for questions, contact Kathy Berry at Hospice of Charleston Foundation (kathy@hospiceofcharlestonfoundation.org or 843-216-7323).

Corporate sponsorships are available for Shannon’s Hope and all Hospice of Charleston Foundation events. Financial contributions are welcomed to support this program as well as Hospice of Charleston Foundation’s other charitable efforts to assist the individuals and families who turn to hospice for help in their most vulnerable moments.

For more information, please visit the website at www.hospiceofcharlestonfoundation.org or call 843-216-7323.

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